There are all kinds of urban legends and so-called old wives’ tales that proclaim the health benefits, or time-saving benefits, borderline magical properties, or terrifying dangers of doing X or Y. We’ve heard them all: Don’t eat within thirty minutes of swimming or you’ll get a cramp and literally die, bundle up when it’s cold outside or you’ll get a cold (by the way, oh my god, people, stop it with this; a cold is a virus, you don’t get it from the weather), an apple a day will keep the doctor away, a watched pot never boils, etc.
It’s almost like these old sayings and legends are the pre-Internet era equivalent of lifehacks! And since we’ve sort of been on a lifehacking streak recently, we decided to give one of these a test for ourselves: Specifically, the rumor that sticking a spoon into the neck of a champagne bottle will keep it from going flat.

Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japan law lets you claim reward for finding lost property, man may have scammed it over 60 times
A look back on 40 years of Japanese schools banning stuff
Man in Japan takes four parakeets hostage in attempt to force woman to meet with him
Swapping seats on Japan’s bullet trains is not allowed, Shinkansen operator says
Man arrested in Japan after leaving car in coin parking lot for six years, racking up three-million-yen bill
Blowfish-shaped fugu bento appears to celebrate Japan’s Blowfish Day [Taste test]
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Lawson convenience stores sell a mega katsu sando, and there’s a hack to get it cheap in Japan
Naruto Shippuden x Maeda Coffee collaboration cafe event is coming to Kyoto this week
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
Family Mart releases huge range of cute sweets for Cat Day in Japan
Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
7-Eleven Japan sells freshly baked pizzas…but are they any good?
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Man arrested in Japan after leaving car in coin parking lot for six years, racking up three-million-yen bill
Blowfish-shaped fugu bento appears to celebrate Japan’s Blowfish Day [Taste test]
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Lawson convenience stores sell a mega katsu sando, and there’s a hack to get it cheap in Japan
Naruto Shippuden x Maeda Coffee collaboration cafe event is coming to Kyoto this week
No talking allowed, at all, at new Tokyo cafe, even when you’re ordering【Videos】
Godzilla figure based on Shin Godzilla CG model is stunningly detailed, shockingly expensive
Women in Japan to be allowed to buy morning-after pill without a doctor’s prescription
Japan has omurice chocolate, and the weirdest thing isn’t how it tastes
Studio Ghibli diorama boxes are much more beautiful than your elementary school art project【Pics】
Coca-Cola Japan unveils new sakura design bottle for cherry blossom season 2019
Italian man kisses woman on train in Wakayama “as a greeting,” gets arrested instead of her number
Hot sandwich maker becomes hot dessert maker with super-easy choco banana pie recipe【SoraKitchen】
Woman arrested in mountains of Japan for attempted murder with bow and arrow